The 2026–2027 monitoring season for influenza and other acute respiratory infections has begun in Latvia. Data compiled by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) show that the spread of influenza and other acute respiratory infections remains relatively low at the beginning of the season and is slightly below the level recorded during the corresponding period last year.
The first laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in Latvia this season were registered before the official start of the flu monitoring season and were linked to travel outside Latvia.
During the 40th week of 2026, when monitoring began, influenza was clinically diagnosed in three patients, equivalent to 3.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This is lower than during the corresponding period of the previous season, when the incidence was 9.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
A total of 918 patients sought medical assistance from family doctors for symptoms of other acute respiratory infections, representing an average of 1,179.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The spread of other acute respiratory infections was also slightly lower than during the same period last season.
Laboratory surveillance data show that influenza was not confirmed in any of the 166 samples tested last week,
while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection was detected in one sample (0.6%).
The proportion of samples testing positive for Covid-19 was 1.2%, remaining approximately at the previous week’s level. Unlike in previous years, no increase in Covid-19 cases was observed in late summer or early autumn this year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza activity in other European countries has remained stable and low.
At the same time, SARS-CoV-2 activity continues to increase in both primary healthcare and hospitals, with most hospitalised patients aged 65 and older.
During the 2026–2027 season, 48 family doctor practices in ten administrative territories are participating in the monitoring programme.
Every week, these practices provide information about patients seeking medical assistance for symptoms of influenza, other acute respiratory infections and pneumonia.
Information is also collected on hospitalisations, severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and the circulation of respiratory pathogens.
Laboratory testing helps determine the spread of influenza, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses in Latvia.
The collected information makes it possible to assess the epidemiological situation and inform the public promptly about trends in the spread of infections.
Monitoring of influenza and other acute respiratory infections is carried out annually in all European Union and European Economic Area countries.
This ensures timely assessment of the epidemiological situation, surveillance of influenza virus circulation, and the planning and implementation of public health measures.
During the 2026–2027 season, state-funded influenza vaccination in Latvia will be provided using three vaccines intended for different population groups.
Latvia has already received the Fluenz intranasal vaccine, intended for children aged 2 to 17, inclusive, who belong to certain medical risk groups.
Deliveries of the Efluelda influenza vaccine to family doctor practices will begin this week. This vaccine is intended for people aged 60 and older, as well as individuals with moderate or severe immunosuppression.
Meanwhile, the Vaxigrip vaccine, intended for other groups eligible for state-funded vaccination, including adults and children with chronic illnesses, is expected to arrive in Latvia by 13 November.
Influenza vaccine production has been delayed across Europe this season, meaning deliveries to Latvia are taking place gradually and slightly later than usual.
The SPKC advises patients belonging to risk groups to contact their family doctor practices for information about vaccination.